Cancer care systems ‘are struggling’ to keep up with rising patient numbers, experts warn

In the Irish Cancer Society’s pre-budget submission, healthcare workers warned that cancer incidence continues to rise, yet key parts of the system are struggling to keep pace. File picture

Cancer care systems “are struggling” to keep up with rising patient numbers, senior oncologists, cancer nurses, and the Irish Cancer Society have warned.

A woman diagnosed with cervical cancer weeks after giving birth and who had six radiation sessions delayed because equipment broke down was one example given by the society.

Aoife Habenicht also spoke out in support of calls for change in advance of Budget 2027.

In the Irish Cancer Society’s pre-budget submission, healthcare workers warned that cancer incidence continues to rise, yet key parts of the system are struggling to keep pace.

“Waiting time targets for cancer diagnostics are not being met,” they said.

“Cancer surgeries are delayed because of shortages of staff, beds, and theatre capacity. Radiotherapy services are operating below their potential because they are not adequately resourced.”

The society called for cancer care buildings, equipment, and digital infrastructure to be funded under the HSE Capital Plan.

Investment should also cover ring-fenced funding for radiology equipment such as for CT or MRI scans.

“Thirty years ago, roughly two in five people survived their cancer diagnosis. By the end of the last decade this increased to almost two in three people,” the society said.

It called for multi-annual funding to maintain improvements in treatment as well as supporting cancer survivors.

This should cover rehabilitation services and palliative care, it said.

It told the government the decisions taken in Budget 2027 will shape cancer outcomes for years to come.

The society also called for improvements in preventative screening saying, for example, 100% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at Stage 1 survive compared to 51% diagnosed at stage 4.

Ms Habenicht said of her care: “Of my 25 radiation sessions, six were delayed because the LINAC machine broke down and we had to move to another unit.”

Aoife Habenicht said of her care: 'Of my 25 radiation sessions, six were delayed because the LINAC machine broke down and we had to move to another unit.'

She saw a “critical shortfall” in treatment despite the “immense compassion” and skill shown by her medical teams. “It’s heartbreaking that it's fixable but not being addressed,” she said.

A patient advocate with the Irish Radiation Therapy Group, Ms Habenicht has contacted the HSE and met Taoiseach Micheál Martin about this.

“Nobody should have to question whether the equipment that is delivering them life-saving care is fit for purpose.”

When her son Sebastian was born early, she said she had “a smear test to try to get a better understanding of how it all happened so quickly” then.

“Six weeks later, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C cervical cancer,” she said.

“My previous smear tests had all been clear. It was incredibly shocking news to receive, especially as a new mum.”

Her treatment involved chemotherapy at the Beacon Hospital, radiation therapy sessions at St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar, and other treatment.

The days were longer than expected as the radiotherapy machine being used was old and unreliable.

“I later found out that the machine I was assigned to is one of the oldest in Ireland, now in operation for 18 years, despite the advice that they are replaced every 10 years.”

In addition, she has permanent alignment tattoos which were needed for that machine.

“I am left with the permanent reminders of my treatment,” she said.

“This is yet another reason why we need to replace those machines as tattooing is no longer required of patients if we had updated machines like other European countries.”